Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder can sometimes develop due to the negligence of a hospital or a physician’s mistake during pregnancy or the birthing process. If your child was born with CP, your family may be entitled to compensation if it was caused by medical negligence. Speak with one of our highly qualified CP lawyers at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP today so we may evaluate your case. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Us?
- While you take care of your child, we will work tirelessly to get you the maximum amount of compensation your family deserves.
- We have been defending the rights of families victimized by cerebral palsy for more than 38 years.
- Unless we recover compensation for you, you will not pay for our services.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy in Washington, D.C.
Most commonly, CP is caused before birth due to an infection during pregnancy, insufficient oxygen reaching the brain during pregnancy or delivery, prematurity, blood diseases, physical birth defects, or trauma to the head during labor and delivery. After birth, severe jaundice without treatment can result in CP. The disorder can also be acquired by children within their first years of life if they suffer brain damage, often occurring from a head injury or an infection, like meningitis.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Washington, D.C.
CP is a group of disorders that can exhibit an array of symptoms, varying by the severity and type, which are as follows:
Spastic – difficult and stiff movement
Ataxic – problems with depth perception and balance
Athetoid – involuntary and uncontrolled movements
Mixed – two or more of the other types
Since indicators of the condition are not universal, pinpointing an exact list of them can be difficult, but these symptoms are commonly seen babies:
Under 6 Months:
- Crying and arching back for no apparent reason
- Limp neck and unable to lift head
- Floppy muscles
- Extreme stiffness and rigidity in muscles
- Crossed or scissor legs due to stiffness in muscles
- Muscle contractions disabling movements (spastic paralysis)
- Difficulty sucking or swallowing
6-10 Months:
- Unable to roll over independently
- Cannot bring hands together, or to the face or mouth
- Discernible limpness on one side of body
- Involuntary movements
- Failing to reach developmental milestones
- Abnormal postures
- Problems with vision, speech, or hearing
Over 10 Months:
- Crawls awkwardly or visual limpness on one side
- Hops on knees or uses only arms to crawl
- Trouble with fine motor movements
- Limited range of motion
- Slow development
- Difficulty walking
- Poor balance
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CP, but there are treatments available to help improve quality of life, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, medication or surgery.
Why You Need a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer in Washington, D.C.
The costs associated with caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be exponential. In order to hold a physician or hospital liable for the damages, there must be clear and strong evidence of a failure to follow proper medical procedures or provide the mandated standard of care. A lawyer experienced with CP cases will have a clear understanding of the laws, access to resources, and the knowledge needed to construct a successful case proving medical negligence. Quality legal representation will ensure that you have the best chance of obtaining compensation.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you believe a mistake or negligence has caused your child’s cerebral palsy, call Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP. We will review your case and advise you of your legal rights for free. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.